Methodology of fitting a shower unit...?
Question:I am toying with the idea of removing my bath and fitting a corner shower cubicle in it's place. Thus creating space in the bathroom.
Does the electricity supply have to come in from above the unit or isn't there a hard n fast rule...? and. if I use the existing cold water supply from the bath...what is the best insulation for the pipes if I am to recess them into the wall and plaster and tile over them?
Answers:
The electrical supply must come from a consumer unit fitted with a residual current device and be connected to a minimum 40 amp minature circuit breaker. The cable size depends on the shower output in Kw and the length of the cable run, however to be safe and sure use 10mm twin and earth. The cable will run to a 45amp double pole pull cord switch in the ceiling of the bathroom and then onto the shower normally from above. If you are going to bury the copper pipe in the wall, plaster over it and then tile, the pipe must be protected, it's easy to wrap it in electrical insulation tape, otherwise the plaster will cause it to corrode. There is also the problem of fitting a waste to the shower, which dependant on how you do it can be a bit fiddly.
Having said all that, there is nothing to stop you doing the plumbing work yourself, but, the electrical work must be carried out by a Part P (Building Regulations) certified electrician or if you do it yourself must be approved by the Local Authority Building Inspector. (at a cost - normally about £60 - £70)
That simple little job suddenly becomes a bit of a nightmare if you don't have the experience!
As you said electricity suppy, I'm assuming you're intending to fit an electric shower, in which case you don't need to insulate the cold pipe in the wall. I don't think it matters where the electricity comes from as long as it's isolated from any water source.
Regulations governing domestic electric wiring have changed and you need a qualified electrician to do something like that now. You need to run a separate heavy duty cable from you consumer unit to the shower and it is better coming from above. You can draw the feed water from the bath pipe since it is unlikely that you will be drawing from both at the same time. There's no need to insulate the feed pipe as the shower will heat it on demand. Recessing the pipes and cables is neater. Note that if you have an old consumer unit, you must make sure you have a RCB fitted.
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